7 Best Mental Health Hospitals in India

Mental health is crucial for maintaining our emotional balance, psychological health, and social well-being. In India, awareness about mental health is still growing, and there are many misconceptions and stigmas around it. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 21.1 out of every 100,000 people in India die by suicide, and the Economic Times reports that 60 to 70 million people in the country face common mental health issues.

Despite these challenges, India offers a wide range of mental health services to support individuals on their path to wellness. 

Several hospitals and healthcare facilities provide exceptional mental health services throughout the country.

These institutions are staffed with highly skilled doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals who specialize in treating various mental health conditions, ensuring that patients receive top-quality care.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best hospitals and mental health professionals in India. 

We’ll also delve into what inpatient and outpatient programs and highlight the facilities available for adolescents, as well as the leading professionals in the country.

Best Mental Health Hospitals in India

1. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore, India, is widely respected as the top institute for mental health and neurosciences nationwide. 

Since it was established in 1925, NIMHANS has been outstanding in researching mental health and the brain. 

Known for its thorough approach to mental health care, education, and research, NIMHANS provides a variety of outpatient and inpatient services to cater to different needs.

It offers specialized clinics for conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, addiction, child psychiatry, and mental health issues in older adults. 

With 24/7 emergency services, NIMHANS ensures immediate help for urgent psychiatric and neurological issues. 

Additionally, the institute conducts extensive research and clinical trials to improve mental health treatments and offers academic programs in psychiatry, psychology, social work, and neuroscience. 

NIMHANS emphasizes personalized care by integrating various holistic treatment approaches like medication, therapy, yoga, and Ayurveda. 

The institute’s dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists is committed to providing excellent care. 

Equipped with advanced technology, NIMHANS also addresses neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, supported by a skilled team of neurosurgeons. 

Beyond treatment, NIMHANS focuses on research to develop new treatments, understand mental illnesses better, and improve mental health services across India.

2. Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Ranchi

For more than a hundred years, the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) in Ranchi has been advancing mental health care in India.

Established in 1918, CIP is one of the country’s oldest and most respected mental health institutions. It’s also the largest psychiatric hospital in Asia, with 643 beds. 

CIP provides various treatments for mental health issues, including medication, therapy, and rehabilitation programs. It has specialized units for children, adolescents, addiction, and family support. 

Unlike traditional asylums, CIP takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering biological, psychological, and social factors. 

It operates a 24/7 emergency ward and offers outpatient services. CIP also conducts community outreach programs to raise awareness and reduce stigma. 

Additionally, it’s a significant research center for mental health and neuroscience, contributing to new treatments and understanding of mental health in the Indian context.

Overall, CIP is committed to providing patient-centered, comprehensive mental health care.

3. LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health

The Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health (LGBRIMH) in Tezpur, Assam, is a top mental health facility in Northeast India, run by the Central Government.

LGBRIMH provides a wide range of mental health services, including both outpatient and inpatient care for issues like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. 

It also specializes in treating substance abuse, child and adolescent psychiatry, and geriatric mental health. 

The institute has a 24/7 emergency ward for urgent psychiatric crises.

For those needing intensive care, LGBRIMH offers inpatient services with 336 beds for various levels of care—acute, sub-acute, and chronic. 

Patients receive medication management, therapy sessions, and rehabilitation programs such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special education.

The child and adolescent psychiatry unit has 26 beds for adolescents and younger children, and the outpatient department serves 30-50 patients daily. 

The Department of Addiction Medicine provides comprehensive care for substance use disorders.

With state-of-the-art technology, LGBRIMH continually upgrades its facilities to offer the best diagnostic and therapeutic services. 

4. Tulasi Healthcare 

Tulasi Healthcare is a top rehabilitation center in Gurugram (Gurgaon), Haryana, India, that specializes in treating mental disorders and addiction. 

They offer excellent mental healthcare for both local and international patients, addressing conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. 

Their treatment approach combines medication with comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation.

With three centers and over 200 beds, Tulasi Healthcare provides structured programs to help people overcome addictions to alcohol and drugs like heroin, cocaine, and opioids. 

Their treatments include medications like methadone and buprenorphine, Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy (M ECT), cognitive-behavioral therapy, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, and lifestyle changes.

For children and adolescents aged 8 to 18, Tulasi Healthcare has a specialized Child Psychiatry Hospital offering inpatient and post-hospitalization care. 

They treat various emotional and behavioral issues, including ADHD, eating disorders, and psychotic disorders, through thorough evaluations to identify each child’s specific needs.

For international patients, providing full support with visa processing, transportation, online consultations, and personalized treatment plans. 

Overall their team of qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, and paramedical staff are dedicated to treating addiction and mental health disorders. 

5. Nirvan Hospital

Nirvan Hospital, India’s first NABH-accredited private psychiatric and addiction treatment center, offers comprehensive mental health care for all ages. 

They use proven therapies and medications and provide amenities like a 24/7 pharmacy, internet access, prayer rooms, parking, and an in-house diagnostic lab for medical testing.

For adults, they treat conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia with various therapies. 

For children, they address behavioral problems, eating disorders, intellectual disabilities, and neuropsychiatric issues with specialized care. 

For elderly patients, they offer compassionate care for dementia, phobias, and psychosis through a dedicated unit. 

This accreditation ensures high-quality care in a safe environment. If you’re looking for a reputable mental health facility in Lucknow, Nirvan Hospital is an excellent choice.

6. Sukoon Psychiatry Centre, Gurugram, Haryana

Sukoon Health is one of the top mental health centers in Gurugram, India. It’s been recognized by the Economic Times for its excellent clinical services in psychiatry in both 2023 and 2022.

This hospital provides various services, such as inpatient and outpatient care, catering to individuals with mental health conditions. They aim to stabilize patients by offering intensive treatment in a safe environment.

At Sukoon, a team of experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and occupational therapists collaborate to devise personalized treatment plans for each individual. 

Their focus areas include addressing substance abuse, addiction, and underlying mental health issues. Sukoon emphasizes involving families in the recovery journey, offering counseling and support programs.

Their approach to treatment extends beyond medication, incorporating psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and strategies to prevent relapse. 

They report that 83% of their clients experience improvement in their mental health within the first two weeks of treatment.

7. VIMHANS (Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Neuro & Allied Sciences)

VIMHANS, also known as the Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neuro & Allied Sciences, is a respected mental healthcare center in South Delhi, India. 

It’s the only non-government organization in Delhi offering inpatient facilities for mental illness.

They provide comprehensive care for mental health and rehabilitation, covering everything from mental illness to neurological, orthopedic, and child development concerns. Their approach is holistic, addressing both mental and physical needs.

VIMHANS offers personalized services for various conditions like psychosis, depression, addiction, anxiety, autism, and ADHD. They’re also involved in academic research and training in mental health and neurosciences.

For recovery, they provide physical and occupational therapy services and specialize in diagnosing and treating developmental disorders in children like autism and ADHD.

Their holistic treatment approach combines medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and support groups. 

Known for high-quality, patient-centered care, VIMHANS plays a crucial role in meeting mental health needs in Delhi and neighboring areas.

Inpatient & Outpatient Mental Health Services in India

In India, mental health services address both inpatient and outpatient needs for various mental health issues. 

Inpatient care involves intensive treatment in hospitals or specialized centers for severe cases or stabilization, with continuous monitoring by psychiatric professionals who provide customized therapies and medications. 

These services also include assistance with daily living skills, occupational therapy, and nutrition advice. 

A team of experts diagnoses the problem and creates a personalized treatment plan, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used for severe depression or mania that does not respond to other treatments. 

On the other hand, Outpatient care is designed for individuals with mild to moderate conditions or those needing ongoing care after hospitalization. 

It includes therapies like counseling and support groups without requiring a hospital stay, offering ongoing support, symptom management, and skill development to improve life quality.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) provide therapy sessions and workshops several times a week, while Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) offer more structured care, often as a transition from inpatient care or an enhancement of regular outpatient services.

Health insurance often focuses more on inpatient services, but outpatient treatments are essential for complete mental health care. 

Government institutions like the Central Mental Health Authority (CMHA) offer affordable outpatient services to the community. 

There is increasing awareness that mental health services need to be part of primary healthcare to make them more accessible and reduce stigma. 

The Indian government has started initiatives like the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) to set up mental health facilities and programs across the country. 

Despite these efforts, there are still challenges in making mental health services widely available, affordable, and high-quality throughout India.

Adolescent Mental Health Facilities in India

In India, there are specialized mental health services designed specifically for teenagers.

Hospitals with dedicated Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Units provide thorough care for young people, offering both inpatient and outpatient services. 

These units are staffed by a team of experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and social workers, all trained in adolescent mental health. 

They offer continuous supervision, medication management, and intensive therapy to address the complex needs of teenagers with severe mental health issues.

Besides hospital care, some Mental Health Clinics focus on outpatient services for adolescents. 

These clinics provide consultations, therapy, and counseling led by professionals experienced in adolescent mental health. 

They offer a supportive environment for various types of therapy, including individual, group, and family sessions, as well as medication management when needed.

Additionally, government-run Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs), established under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), offer various services. 

These include primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health counseling, and specialized mental health support for teenagers. 

These clinics are beneficial for adolescents with mild to moderate mental health issues or those who might be hesitant to seek help at specialized mental health facilities.

Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:

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3. 7 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Virginia

Top Mental Health Doctors & Professionals in India

India has many outstanding mental health professionals dedicated to providing high-quality care to individuals facing mental health challenges. 

Here are some of them.

For those who prefer online counseling, BetterHelp is a highly recommended platform. 

It provides therapy services online via web or phone text communication. To get started, you can visit the BetterHelp website or download the mobile app.

1. Dr. Ashish Soy

Dr. Ashish Soy is one of India’s leading psychiatrists. He founded Compos Mentis, a top clinic for mental health. 

With his vast education and experience, Dr Soy has successfully treated numerous patients across India with various mental health issues. 

He’s skilled at handling cases ranging from mild to severe, earning him the reputation as the best psychiatrist in India.

2. Dr. Mrinmay Kumar Das

Dr. Mrinmay Kumar Das is a senior consultant in Behavioral Sciences with 24 years of experience. 

He works at Jaypee Hospital in Delhi NCR and specializes in treating mood disorders, psychological issues, personality disorders, and psychosexual disorders. 

He also provides cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relationship counseling.

3. Dr. Gorav Gupta 

Dr. Gorav Gupta is a highly experienced and respected psychiatrist in India, with more than 22 years of practice. 

He works at the Tulasi Psychiatric & Rehab Center in Delhi and is also affiliated with NITI AYOG. Dr. 

Gupta holds esteemed degrees, including an M.B.B.S. and MD. His areas of focus include treating issues like Addiction, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Schizophrenia, demonstrating his wide-ranging expertise in mental health care.

4. Dr. Ajit Dandekar

With over 31 years of experience, Dr. Ajit Dandekar is recognized as one of India’s top psychiatrists. 

He specializes in depression counseling, psychosocial rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and stress management. 

Dr. Dandekar is associated with Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai and is a member of prestigious organizations such as the Indian Psychiatric Society and Andheri Medical Association.

5. Dr. Sameer Malotra 

Dr. Sameer Malotra is a highly experienced and the best psychiatrist who serves as the Director of the Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences Department. 

You can find him practising at Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi. 

He offers various services including marriage counselling,  Adolescent Medicine, Stress Management, treatment for OCD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and help with Substance Abuse Addiction.

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